Modular cord organizer

ABSTRACT

A modular cord organizer apparatus for organizing and supporting at least one coiled cord on a mounting surface including at least one modular frame for receiving the coiled cord is provided. The modular frame has an ‘H’ shaped perimeter defining a pair of frame sides a pair of frame ends spaced by the frame sides. The frame ends define a cord receiving recess and a planar sheet extends between the frame ends. A rim extends perpendicularly to the planar sheet of the modular frame. A rack is provided for receiving at least one modular frame and supporting the modular frame on the mounting surface. At least one connection removably attaches one of the frame sides to the rack in a mounting direction generally parallel to the frame sides and includes a coupler having a pair of shaped tabs defining a slot and a channel for receiving the modular frame.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

A modular cord organizer apparatus for organizing and supporting at least one coiled cord on a mounting surface.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Various cord organizers for organizing and supporting at least one coiled cord are well known in the art. An example of such a cord organizer is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,098,406 to Hammonds.

Hammonds discloses a modular cord organizer for organizing and supporting at least one coiled cord on a mounting surface including at least one modular frame for receiving the coiled cord. The modular frame has a perimeter generally defining a ‘H’ shape. The modular frame also includes a pair of frame sides and a pair of frame ends spaced by the frame sides with each of the frame ends defining a cord receiving recess. The modular cord organizer disclosed in Hammonds further includes a rack for receiving the modular frame and for horizontally supporting the modular frame on the mounting surface. The rack has a base plate that is adapted for attachment to the mounting surface. However, the modular cord organizer disclosed by Hammonds requires the user to properly align each end of the rack with an angled reel slot disposed on each side of the rack in order to removably attach the modular frame to the rack. Therefore a problem is presented by prior art designs as precise alignment requirements hamper a user's ability to quickly and easily attach the modular frame to the rack. Additionally, the modular frame disclosed by Hammonds tends to bind as the modular frame is place into or removed from the rack at an oblique angle relative to the sides of the rack.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The subject invention provides such a modular cord organizer apparatus characterized by at least one connection for removably attaching one of the frame sides to the rack in a mounting direction generally parallel to the frame side.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the subject invention allows the modular frame to be easily and quickly attached to the rack. Unlike the prior art designs, the user does not need to align each end of the modular frame with slots disposed on each side of the rack. Instead, removable attachment is achieved with the subject invention by moving the modular frame along the mounting direction relative to the rack to mate the connection. Additionally, the subject invention does not tend to bind when the modular frame is place into or removed from the rack at a oblique angle. Instead, the present invention tends modular frame towards proper alignment along the mounting direction as the connection is mated. Consequently, the subject invention requires less time and focus to operate than prior art designs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated, as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the modular cord organizer apparatus,

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the modular cord organizer apparatus,

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the modular cord organizer apparatus,

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the modular frame,

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of the modular frame, and

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the rack.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ENABLING EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views, a modular cord organizer apparatus for organizing and supporting at least one coiled cord on a mounting surface is provided. The modular cord organizer apparatus includes at least one modular frame 20 for receiving the coiled cord. The modular frame 20 has a perimeter 22 generally defining a ‘H’ shape. The perimeter 22 of the modular frame 20 includes a pair of frame sides 24 and a pair of frame ends 26 spaced by the frame sides 24. Each of the frame ends 26 define a cord receiving recess 28. Although the apparatus shown in the Figures includes four modular frames 20, the present invention contemplates the use of any number of modular frames 20. While the modular frame 20 could be made of any number of materials, including a combination of several different materials, plastics are an ideal choice.

The modular cord organizer apparatus further includes a rack 30 for receiving the modular frame 20. The rack 30 vertically supports the modular frame 20 on the mounting surface and includes a base plate 32 adapted for attachment to the mounting surface. Although the apparatus shown in the Figures illustrates a vertically oriented base plate 32, the present invention contemplates mounting the base plate 32 at various angles including horizontal. Accordingly, the rack 30 may or may not vertically support the modular frame 20 on the mounting surface. Like the modular frame 20, the rack 30 could be made of any number of materials, including a combination of several different materials, however plastics are an ideal choice.

The modular cord organizer apparatus is characterized by the modular frame 20 including a planar sheet 34 extending between the frame ends 26. The planar sheet 34 surrounds a central cavity 36. The central cavity 36 decreases the weight of the modular frame 20 and provides a convenient handle enabling a user to pass their fingers through the central cavity 36 to grip the modular frame 20 without disturbing the coiled cord. Although the apparatus shown in the Figures illustrates a single central cavity 36, the present invention also contemplates several cavities or voids of various shapes. Additionally, the modular cord organizer apparatus could include a modular frame 20 without a central cavity 36 altogether.

The modular frame 20 includes a rim 38 that extends perpendicularly to the planar sheet 34 along a major portion of the perimeter 22 of the modular frame 20 from a first rim end 40 to a second rim end 42. Each of the rim ends 40, 42 are spaced from one another along one of the frame sides 24 to define a rimless portion 44 presenting an exposed edge 46 of the planar sheet 34. Although the apparatus shown in the Figures illustrates a rimeless portion that extends along one of the frame sides 24, the present invention also contemplates a rimeless portion that extends along more than one of the frame sides 24 wherein the first rim end 40 and the second rim end 42 are not spaced from one another along one of the frame sides 24.

At least one connection 48 removably attaches one of the frame sides 24 to the rack 30 in a mounting direction generally parallel to the frame side 24. According to the orientation of the modular frame 20 and the rack 30 shown in the Figures, the mounting direction coincides with the vertical direction. As noted above, the present invention is not limited to this orientation meaning that the mounting direction may not be the vertical direction depending on the orientation of the modular frame 20 and the rack 30. Although the apparatus shown in the Figures also illustrates four connections 48, the present invention contemplates the use of any number of connections 48 that may or may not coincide with the number of modular frames 20.

The connection 48 includes a stop 50 extending perpendicularly from the planar sheet 34 of the modular frame 20. The stop 50 blocks relative movement between the modular frame 20 and the rack 30 along the mounting direction. The connection 48 also includes a coupler 52 disposed on the base plate 32 for slidably receiving one of the frame sides 24 and contacting the stop 50. Accordingly, relative movement along the mounting direction between the modular frame 20 and the rack 30 is brought to a halt at the point where the stop 50 contacts the coupler 52.

The coupler 52 includes a pair of tabs 54 generally having a ‘J’ shape to defining a slot 56 spaced between the tabs 54 and a channel 58 spaced between the tabs 54 and the base plate 32. When the coupler 52 engages the frame side 24, the slot 56 engages the exposed edge 46 of the planar sheet 34 and the channel 58 engages the rim 38 adjacent the first rim end 40. Both the slot 56 engaging the exposed edge 46 of the planar sheet 34 and the channel 58 engaging the rim 38 adjacent the first rim end 40 function to support the modular frame 20 in the coupler 52 and prevent rotation of the modular frame 20 relative to the coupler 52. The coupler 52 also includes a gusset 60 extending between each of the tabs 54 and the base plate 32 for reinforcing the tabs 54. Although the apparatus shown in the Figures illustrates a gusset 60 that extends between adjacent couplers 52, the present invention also contemplates a design wherein the gusset 60 of adjacent couplers 52 do not connect with one another.

The modular frame 20 also includes a key ring mount 62. The key ring mount 62 is provided along the perimeter 22 of the modular frame 20 wherein the rim 38 includes a break 64 between the first rim end 40 and the second rim end 42 along the major portion of the perimeter 22 and the planar sheet 34 defines a hole 66 extending through the planar sheet 34 adjacent the break 64 in the rim 38. The key ring mount 62 allows the modular frame 20 to be attached to a lanyard or keychain so that the user can easily carry one or more modular frames 20 on their person.

Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings and may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described while within the scope of the appended claims. That which is prior art in the claims precedes the novelty set forth in the “characterized by” clause. The novelty is meant to be particularly and distinctly recited in the “characterized by” clause whereas the antecedent recitations merely set forth the old and well-known combination in which the invention resides. These antecedent recitations should be interpreted to cover any combination in which the inventive novelty exercises its utility. The use of the word “said” in the apparatus claims refers to an antecedent that is a positive recitation meant to be included in the coverage of the claims whereas the word “the” precedes a word not meant to be included in the coverage of the claims. In addition, the reference numerals in the claims are merely for convenience and are not to be read in any way as limiting. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A modular cord organizer apparatus for organizing and supporting at least one coiled cord on a mounting surface comprising; at least one modular frame (20) for receiving the coiled cord and having a perimeter (22) defining a pair of frame sides (24) and a pair of frame ends (26) spaced by said frame sides (24) with each of said frame ends (26) defining a cord receiving recess (28), a rack (30) for receiving said modular frame (20) and for supporting said modular frame (20) on the mounting surface, and characterized by at least one connection (48) for removably attaching one of said frame sides (24) to said rack (30) in a mounting direction generally parallel to said frame side (24).
 2. An apparatus of claim 1 wherein said connection (48) includes a stop (50) for blocking relative movement between said modular frame (20) and said rack (30) along said mounting direction.
 3. An apparatus of claim 2 wherein said connection (48) includes a coupler (52) for slidably receiving said one of said frame sides (24) and contacting said stop (50).
 4. An apparatus of claim 3 wherein said connection (48) includes a rim (38) extending along one of said frame sides (24) from said stop (50) to a first rim end (40) for engaging said coupler (52) and preventing rotation of said modular frame (20) relative to said coupler (52).
 5. An apparatus of claim 4 wherein said coupler (52) includes a pair of tabs (54) defining a channel (58) therebetween for receiving said rim (38) extending from said stop (50) to said first rim end (40).
 6. An apparatus of claim 5 wherein said a rim (38) extends along a major portion of said perimeter (22) from said first rim end (40) past said stop (50) to a second rim end (42) with each of said rim ends (40, 42) spaced from one another along one of said frame sides (24).
 7. An apparatus of claim 6 wherein said modular frame (20) includes a planar sheet (34) extending perpendicularly to said rim (38).
 8. An apparatus of claim 7 wherein said tabs (54) engage said planar sheet (34) for preventing said rotation of said modular frame (20).
 9. An apparatus of claim 8 wherein said modular frame (20) includes a rimless portion (44) spaced between said first rim end (40) and said second rim end (42) and presenting an exposed edge (46) of said planar sheet (34).
 10. An apparatus of claim 9 wherein said tabs (54) of said coupler (52) define a slot (56) for receiving said exposed edge (46) of said planar sheet (34).
 11. An apparatus of claim 10 wherein said planar sheet (34) of said modular frame (20) extends between said frame ends (26) and surrounds a central cavity (36).
 12. An apparatus of claim 11 wherein said rack (30) includes a base plate (32) for attachment to the mounting surface.
 13. An apparatus of claim 12 wherein said coupler (52) is disposed on said base plate (32) for supporting said modular frame (20) on the mounting surface.
 14. An apparatus of claim 13 wherein said coupler (52) includes a gusset (60) extending between each of said tabs (54) and said base plate (32) for reinforcing said tabs (54).
 15. An apparatus of claim 14 wherein said perimeter (22) of said modular frame (20) generally defines a ‘H’ shape.
 16. An apparatus of claim 15 wherein said tabs (54) of said coupler (52) generally have a ‘J’ shape.
 17. An apparatus of claim 16 wherein said rim (38) includes a break (64) between said first rim end (40) and said second rim end (42) along said major portion of said perimeter (22) and said planar sheet (34) defines a hole (66) extending through said planar sheet (34) adjacent said break (64) in said rim (38) to define a key ring mount (62).
 18. A modular cord organizer apparatus for organizing and supporting at least one coiled cord on a mounting surface comprising; at least one modular frame (20) for receiving the coiled cord and having a perimeter (22) generally defining a ‘H’ shape and a pair of frame sides (24) and a pair of frame ends (26) spaced by said frame sides (24) with each of said frame ends (26) defining a cord receiving recess (28), a rack (30) for receiving said modular frame (20) and for vertically supporting said modular frame (20) on the mounting surface and having a base plate (32) adapted for attachment to the mounting surface, and characterized by said modular frame (20) including a planar sheet (34) surrounding a central cavity (36) and extending between said frame ends (26) and a rim (38) extending perpendicularly to said planar sheet (34) and along a major portion of said perimeter (22) of said modular frame (20) from a first end to a second end with each of said rim ends (40, 42) spaced from one another along one of said frame sides (24) to define a rimless portion (44) presenting an exposed edge (46) of said planar sheet (34) and said rim (38) includes a break (64) between said first rim end (40) and said second rim end (42) along said major portion of said perimeter (22) and said planar sheet (34) defines a hole (66) extending through said planar sheet (34) adjacent said break (64) in said rim (38) to define a key ring mount (62), and at least one connection (48) for removably attaching one of said frame sides (24) to said rack (30) in a mounting direction generally parallel to said frame side (24) including a stop (50) extending perpendicularly from said planar sheet (34) for blocking relative movement between said modular frame (20) and said rack (30) along said mounting direction and a coupler (52) disposed on said base plate (32) for slidably receiving one of said frame sides (24) and contacting said stop (50) and including a pair of tabs (54) generally having a ‘J’ shape and defining a slot (56) engaging said exposed edge (46) of said planar sheet (34) for preventing rotation of said modular frame (20) relative to said coupler (52) and a channel (58) spaced between said tabs (54) for receiving said rim (38) extending from said stop (50) to said first rim end (40) and a gusset (60) extending between each of said tabs (54) and said base plate (32) for reinforcing said tabs (54). 